Club addresses boxer Kenosi's concerns
Calistus Kolantsho | Saturday March 11, 2023 06:00
National team coach and Kenosi's club coach, Thebe Setlalekgosi said the boxer had welfare issues that she was dealing with.
“I totally agree with the concerns that she raised, the main issue being accommodation and the national team camp that is held in Gaborone. Sadie lives in Francistown. She does not have a place to stay here.
She cannot keep bringing results without benefiting anything. An agreement was reached to assist her,” he said. Setlalekgosi said the boxer would not be travelling to the International Boxing Association (IBA) women’s World Championships in New Delhi, India but will compete at the Zone IV championship, Olympic qualifiers and other upcoming competitions.
BoBA (Botswana Boxing Association) spokesperson, Moitshepi Nkabiti said Kenosi failed to show up for a training camp despite the invitation extended to her. “I enquired from BoBA secretary-general and he informed me that Kenosi did not compete during the national championships in December. She also did not show up for camp.
We were working under pressure because we were not sure if we are travelling or not,” he said. Meanwhile, Setlalekgosi said he was not happy with the fitness level of the team that is travelling to India. “The boxers have been training at their clubs because Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA) does not have funds for a camp.
Our athletes must learn that they are professionals. They should be in top shape all the time because they know that they can be called anytime,” he said. Setlalekgosi said there is a lot of money at stake at the world championships. Gold medal winners in each of the 12 weight categories will receive $100,000 (approximately P130,000), ensuring a bumper reward for finishing top of the podium.
Boxers who finish as runners-up in their categories will collect $50,000, while athletes who claim bronze will receive $25,000. BoBA did not have funds to send the team to New Delhi and they were assisted by IBA. Nkabiti said IBA paid for flight tickets and accommodation. The team: Boxers: Lethabo Modukanele (50kg), Phekie Belle (54kg) and Aratwa Kasemang (66kg). Technical team: Head coach: Setlalekgosi and Gibson Rauwe (assistant coach).